Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD Announces September Program -- Medicare Fraud and Flu Shot Immunizations by Walgreens

The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD for Seniors would like to invite senior citizens (age fifty and up) from the area to attend their monthly meeting on Thursday, September 27, 2012, at 1:30pm, at the Village of New Lenox Village Hall Community Room located at:  One Veterans Parkway (located in the Village Commons) in New Lenox.  

Our meeting this month will be two-fold.  First, we will be hosting a presentation on Medicare Fraud.     Second, Walgreens from Schoolhouse and Rte. 30 will be available to those who wish to get their flu shot.  Medicare part B patients that bring their card with would receive the flu shot free of charge.  The shot will be available to anyone for a discounted rate of $25 if they are not a Medicare part B participant.  Walgreens immunization services are part of their commitment to provide convenient and affordable health and wellness solutions.   A certified pharmacist will administer the flu immunization.  

The members of TRIAD would like to announce that Cheryl Lockwood, who is a Community Planner representing the Northeastern Illinois Agency on Aging, will be speaking to us about Medicare Fraud.   No registration or membership is required to attend TRIAD meetings.   These meetings are for all senior citizens in and around our community area.  Please join us. 

Did you know that…?    Most doctors, health care providers, suppliers, and private companies who work with Medicare are honest.   However, there are a few who are not.   The Medicare Program is prioritizing efforts to find and prevent fraud and abuse by working closely with health care providers and strengthening oversight.  Fraud costs the Medicare Program millions of dollars every year, and you end up paying for fraud with higher health care costs.   Fraud schemes may be carried out by individuals, companies, or groups or individuals.

The following are examples of possible Medicare fraud:

• A health care provider bills Medicare for services you never received.
• A supplier bills Medicare for equipment you never got.
• Someone uses another person’s Medicare card to get medical care, supplies, or equipment.
• Someone bills Medicare for home medical equipment after it has been returned.
• A company offers a Medicare drug plan that has not been approved by Medicare.
• A company uses false information to mislead you into joining a Medicare plan.
• Guard your Medicare and Social Security Numbers. Treat them like you would treat your credit cards.
• Be suspicious of anyone who offers you free medical equipment or services and then requests your Medicare number. If it’s free, they do not need your number!
• Do not let anyone borrow or pay to use your Medicare ID card or your identity. It’s illegal, and it’s not worth it!
• If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, report it right away. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for a replacement. If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, call 1 877 772 5772, or visit www.rrb.gov.
  • Equipment or service is offered free and you are then asked for your Medicare number for “record keeping purposes”.
  • Medicare wants you to have the item or service in exchange for your Medicare number.
  • Tell you how to get Medicare to pay for the item or service and all that is needed is your Medicare number.
  • You are told the more tests provided, the cheaper the tests become in the future.
  • Don’t charge copayments without checking on your ability to pay.
  • Advertise “free” consultations to people with Medicare.
  • Call or visit you and say they represent Medicare or the Federal government.
  • Use telephone or door-to-door selling techniques.
  • Use pressure or scare tactics to sell you expensive medical services or diagnostic tests.
  • Bill Medicare for services you never received or a diagnosis you do not have.
  • Offer non-medical transportation or housekeeping as Medicare-approved services.
  • Bill home health services for patients who are not confined to their home, or for patients who still drive a car.
  • Bill Medicare for medical equipment for people in nursing homes.
  • Bill Medicare for tests you received as a hospital inpatient or within 72 hours of admission or discharge.
  • Bill Medicare for a power wheelchair or scooter when you don’t meet Medicare’s qualifications.
  • Get help reading your Medicare Summary Notice.
  • Get a free credit report each year by calling 1-877-322-8228

Protect Your Personal Information:  Be suspicious of doctors, health care providers, or suppliers that do anything on this list:Check Your Medical Bills, Medicare Summary Notices, Explanation of Benefits, and Credit Reports

Medicare fraud affects every American. Waste, fraud and abuse take critical resources out of our health care system, and contribute to the rising cost of health care for all Americans.  Eliminating fraud will cut costs for families, businesses and the federal government and increase the quality of services for those who need care.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) are working together to help eliminate fraud and investigate fraudulent Medicare and Medicaid operators who are cheating the system.  Attorney General Eric Holder and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius are taking the fight against Medicare and Medicaid fraud to a new level. They have convinced senior officials from HHS and DOJ to work together on the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT).

These are just a small amount of the information that will be discussed at our presentation. You will also learn: How Medicare fraud affects you; how you can spot Medicare fraud; how you can report Medicare Fraud or abuse and neglect.  Please join us on September 27, 2012 to learn this and much more.   Any questions call Kathie at New Lenox Township, 815-485-6431.

 The Will County TRIAD for Senior Citizens is run by Sheriff Paul Kaupas and the Will County Sheriff’s Police.    TRIAD means a three-way commitment among local and county law enforcement and senior citizens.  They agree to work together to reduce the criminal victimization of the elderly and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to older persons.    A major purpose of TRIAD is to develop, expand and implement effective crime prevention and education programs for senior citizens in our community. 

 What and who is TRIAD of Will County and TRIAD of Manhattan-New Lenox? 

• TRIAD is cooperation between law enforcement agencies and senior citizens.
• TRIAD strives to reduce criminal victimization of older persons
• TRIAD assesses the needs and concerns of older citizens.
• TRIAD leads to a broad dialogue on safety and security issues
• TRIAD is the link with elderly members of the community

The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD has also added representatives from the New Lenox Fire District, the Manhattan Police and Manhattan Fire Department, the Illinois State Police Medicaid and Fraud Control Bureau, the New Lenox Park District, New Lenox Public Library,  New Lenox Community Television Channel, New Lenox Township Offices as well as senior citizens from our area who come together to inform and empower the senior citizens of our community by providing information regarding their health and safety. 

The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD is also excited to announce that New Lenox Community Television will be there to video-tape and air the presentation on Channel Six our New Lenox Community Television channel.   So please check out the television listings for date and time of the program on Channel Six.  

If you have any questions regarding this month’s presentation or about the TRIAD or joining TRIAD, please call Kathie Johnson at New Lenox Township, phone number  815-485-6431. The Manhattan-New Lenox TRIAD meetings monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 1:30pm at the New Lenox Village Hall Community Room located at:  One Veterans Parkway in New Lenox.